Elizabeth M. (Bayer) McKenzie

Elizabeth (Liz) McKenzie (nee Bayer) died on March 3rd, 2025 shortly after she was diagnosed with cancer. She resided at Meadowbrook at Appleton, Wisconsin while under the care of Heartland Hospice.

Liz was born in Appleton Wisconsin on October 26, 1945. She graduated from Menasha High School and later joined the Women Marines, from which she received an honorable discharge.

Liz married Frank McKenzie on September 28, 1966. They raised two wonderful children, Helen and Ken, and did many creative activities with them.

Liz worked in various types of jobs, from retail to manufacturing to call center. She was a volunteer soccer coach and was one of the founders of Youth-Go organization for young people in the Neenah/Menasha area. Liz loved her hobbies, some of which included doing rosemaling, making pottery, designing and sewing clothes, creating room miniatures, and making porcelain dolls. Liz enjoyed going out to lunch and meeting up with her McDonald’s friends for breakfast. Liz was drawn to festivals and fairs, particularly Renaissance Faires. In addition, Liz ran for Neenah city alderperson, only to lose by a coin toss.

We will miss Liz for her quick quips, dark sense of humor and amusing stories.

Liz was preceded in death by husband Francis (Frank) McKenzie, son Andrew McKenzie, and mother and father Kenneth and Helen (Broeker) Bayer. She is survived by siblings Paul Bayer, James (Kathleen) Bayer, Susan Bayer and David (Trish) Bayer, daughter Helen (Rick) Rubsam, and son Kenneth McKenzie. In addition, Liz is survived by grandchildren Alexandra (Taylor) Shepherd, Brittany (Ethan) Whitney, and Kenneth McKenzie and great-grandson Jasper Shepherd.
A memorial service will be held on March 13, 2025 at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St., Appleton, Wisconsin at 6 PM. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 PM prior to the service.

Liz’s family thanks the staff of Meadowbrook and Heartland Hospice for their care during her last days. Kudos especially to Amy from Heartland for her comfort and skills.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Youth Go in Neenah or to Heartland (Gentiva) Hospice in Fond du Lac.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.